New Delhi: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has clarified that the core film certification guidelines remain unchanged, with the latest amendment introducing an anti-drug message for films depicting the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
The clarification comes after questions surrounding the recent changes to the certification framework. The Press Information Bureau (PIB), in a statement subsequently shared by the CBFC, said the certification guidelines were originally issued in 1991 and have continued to govern film certification for the past 35 years.
According to the clarification, only two substantive changes have been introduced during this period: the introduction of age-based markers under the UA category in 2024 and the latest anti-drug messaging requirement notified on September 16, 2026.
Anti-drug message is the latest change
The latest amendment requires an anti-drug message in films that depict the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
The clarification specifically distinguishes this requirement from a wholesale revision of the existing certification guidelines.
The government has separately been pursuing measures aimed at drug prevention and awareness, including through its National Drug Control Vision for 2026–2029.
The CBFC’s existing certification guidelines already state that scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamorise drug addiction should not be shown. The guidelines also contain provisions concerning the portrayal of other potentially harmful activities.
UA age markers were introduced in 2024
The other substantive change highlighted by the CBFC was introduced through the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
Under the revised UA classification system, films can carry age-based markers of UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+. The government has previously confirmed that these age-based sub-categories were introduced under the 2024 certification rules.
The age markers are intended to provide additional information about the suitability of films for younger viewers while retaining the UA certification category.
Certification continues under existing framework
The CBFC is a statutory body responsible for certifying films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 and the guidelines issued under the framework.
The government has said certification decisions are governed by statutory parameters covering areas including sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign countries, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court and incitement to an offence.
The CBFC’s clarification indicates that the September 2026 notification should therefore be understood as an additional anti-drug messaging requirement rather than a replacement of the existing certification framework.
CBFC was recently reconstituted
The clarification comes shortly after the Centre reconstituted the CBFC with 18 members for a three-year term or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the notification on September 16, 2026, under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The reconstituted board includes actor Manoj Joshi, filmmaker Priyadarshan, actors Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta and Pankaj Tripathi, singer Ricky Kej, filmmaker Pallavi Joshi and several other members.
The CBFC’s latest clarification is aimed at making clear that the underlying certification guidelines have not undergone a broad overhaul. Apart from the 2024 introduction of age markers and the September 2026 anti-drug messaging requirement, the board says the core certification provisions continue as before.